A local woman is turning unimaginable personal loss into a mission to help others, with the upcoming launch of a new awareness and support website in memory of her son.
Connor was Kate’s beloved son, who sadly passed away last February aged 24. He was a lovely young man who gave unconditional love and had a real zest for life. He has 2 memorial benches, one in Anton Lakes and the other in Newbury by the canal.
Kate Murphy, is preparing to launch Connor’s Voice on April 25, 2026 – a platform dedicated to improving understanding, recognition and response to the needs of non-verbal individuals.
Connor, who sadly passed away in February 2025 at the age of 24, was a young man with complex additional needs and was non-verbal. His death followed what his family describe as a traumatic experience, during which key non-verbal signs of severe pain and distress were not recognised or acted upon.
Determined to ensure that other families do not endure a similar tragedy, Kate has channelled her grief into creating a resource aimed at raising awareness and providing education, support and hope.
The website, which will go live at the end of April, has already gathered strong backing from a dedicated team of supporters working behind the scenes, as well as a growing community of followers eager to see its impact.
Connor was a familiar and much-loved face in Andover, particularly before moving into supported living in 2021. His presence left a lasting impression on many in the local area, something reflected in the continued support his family has received.
In his memory, two public Facebook pages – Connor’s Voice and Connor The Hitch Hitchings Bench – have been created, the latter highlighting two memorial benches dedicated to Connor. These can be found at Anton Lakes in Andover and alongside the canal in Newbury, offering peaceful places for reflection.
Kate hopes that Connor’s Voice will not only honour her son’s life but also serve as a vital tool in educating others about the importance of recognising non-verbal communication, particularly in those with complex needs.
Above all, her aim is simple but powerful: to prevent another family from experiencing the same heartbreak.
The website is set to launch on April 25, 2026.
Please visit this website when it is live: http://www.connorsvoice.org.uk
Kate lives in hope that this website is successful and will help another family avoiding to have to go through this.